travel guide

Christmas with children’s of Inca Cancha

First, Inca Cancha is a small community located in the district of Challabamba, province of Paucartambo, Cusco. It sits at 4,100 meters above sea level. Furthermore, the village is about five hours from the city of Cusco via a dirt road. For this reason, it is considered an extremely poor and remote Andean community. This geographic isolation highlights the social challenges that are addressed through responsible tourism in Peru and community support initiatives.

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QUICK SUMMARY

Inca Cancha: A remote Andean community at 4,100 meters above sea level
Livelihoods and Traditional Knowledge: Agriculture, animal husbandry, and handmade textiles
Education and Daily Challenges: One teacher for the entire village
Limited Institutional Support: Government support is almost nonexistent
Community Support and Social Projects: Hot chocolate, gifts, and school supplies for children

IN THIS GUIDE

Livelihoods and Traditional Knowledge
Education and Daily Challenges
Limited Institutional Support
Community Support and Social Projects
Continuing Collaboration With Inca Cancha
Explore the Luxury Options
Frequent Questions
Related Guides

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IN THIS GUIDE

Livelihoods and Traditional Knowledge
Education and Daily Challenges
Limited Institutional Support
Community Support and Social Projects
Continuing Collaboration With Inca Cancha
Explore the Luxury Options
Frequent Questions
Related Guides

Livelihoods and Traditional Knowledge

The families of Inca Cancha depend mainly on agriculture and animal husbandry. They cultivate tubers and raise sheep, llamas, and alpacas. In addition, they are skilled in the creation of traditional textiles. These textiles are 100% handmade and dyed using native plants. At the same time, this ancestral knowledge represents an important cultural asset. Therefore, supporting these practices aligns with sustainable tourism in the Andes and the preservation of local heritage.

Education and Daily Challenges

The community has a small school built by the residents themselves. However, there is only one teacher for the entire village. Children who wish to continue their education after third grade must walk five hours each day to attend a larger school in another town. Consequently, limited access to education remains one of the main barriers to development. This reality reflects broader issues of environmental responsibility in Peru, where remote communities often lack basic services.

Limited Institutional Support

Due to its remoteness and small population, government support is almost nonexistent. In addition, the community finds it difficult to request assistance. As a result, the lack of public services and infrastructure is evident. For this reason, local initiatives become essential for long-term social and environmental responsibility in Peru.

Continuing Collaboration With Inca Cancha

This effort marks only the beginning. We intend to continue working with this village over time. Some of our porters come from Inca Cancha. For this reason, we believe it is important to give back to their community. At the same time, this long-term relationship supports sustainable travel experiences in Cusco rooted in respect and shared responsibility.

Explore the Luxury Options

When visiting Machu Picchu, your lodging is more than just a place to sleep—it frames the entire experience. For luxury travelers, proximity, views, ambiance, service, and unique extras make all the difference. These are the top 3 VIP luxury hotels, offering comfort and a beautiful, welcoming atmosphere as the best options at your service.

Frequent Questions

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel located directly at the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel.

Aguas Calientes hotels are about 30 minutes by shuttle bus or walking. Sumaq and Inkaterra are both conveniently located in Aguas Calientes.

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge offers the best sunrise access. Aguas Calientes hotels require an early shuttle to reach the citadel for sunrise.

Inkaterra features a private cloud-forest reserve with 372 orchid species and diverse birdlife. Belmond Sanctuary Lodge offers orchid gardens and relaxation areas.

Consider shuttle bus fares, entrance tickets, train transfers, spa treatments, and premium dining options. Concierge services can help arrange these.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is ideal for nature lovers with its cloud-forest reserve, orchid gardens, and abundant birdlife.

Sumaq offers gourmet cuisine with panoramic river views. Belmond Sanctuary Lodge features Tampu and Tinkuy restaurants with excellent dining options.